Business Setup in Saudi Arabia: Launch Your Venture with ICBS

Saudi Arabia is open for business, and business setup in Saudi Arabia has never been more promising.

International Corporate Business Services (ICBS) is here to turn those opportunities into reality.

As a subsidiary of The Corporate Group (TCG) with over 18 years of experience in the GCC, our team in Riyadh,KSA is here t0 guide you through company formation in Saudi Arabia.

Get a Free Consultation

If you’re looking to start a business in Saudi Arabia and want a trusted partner to make it happen, consider reaching out to us at ICBS.
We’re here to answer your questions and provide personalized guidance to get your venture off the ground smoothly.

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Business Licensing & Registration:

We handle all the paperwork to obtain your foreign investment license from the Ministry of Investment (MISA) and register your company with the Saudi authorities.

We provide experienced officers to liaise with government departments on your behalf, streamlining visa processing, labor approvals, and other official documentation.

Legal Support:

Our legal experts ensure your company meets all local regulations, assisting with documentation like the Articles of Association and any special permits.

18+

Years of Experience

Your One-Stop Business Consulting Partner in KSA

We provide end-to-end support for company setup in Saudi Arabia – from securing business licenses and visas to ongoing compliance. Our expert consultants simplify every step so you can focus on your venture’s success.

Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward establishing your business in Saudi Arabia.

Whether you’re starting fresh or expanding into KSA, ICBS delivers end-to-end solutions built around your business needs.

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Regional Offices
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Want to Start a Business in Saudi Arabia? Let the Experts Lead the Way

With ICBS handling these details, company setup in Saudi Arabia becomes a smooth experience. Our goal is to let you focus on your core business while we manage the heavy lifting of setup and administration.

Ready to start a business in Saudi Arabia? Reach out to our team today.

Why Start a Business in Saudi Arabia?

Thanks to Vision 2030 economic reforms, the Kingdom welcomes foreign investors, offering 100% foreign ownership, a booming economy, and a streamlined setup process.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur launching a startup or a multinational company looking to expand, Saudi Arabia’s pro-business climate provides opportunities across high-growth sectors.

Types of Business Licenses in Saudi Arabia

When planning a company setup in Saudi Arabia, understanding the types of business licenses available is crucial for compliance and smooth operations. Saudi authorities broadly classify business licenses into two tiers:
General Business Licenses

General business licenses in KSA are the standard licenses required for most common business activities.
These licenses enable companies to operate in broad sectors of the economy, from trading and services to manufacturing and agriculture.

Special Business Licenses

In addition to the standard licenses for commercial and industrial activities, Saudi Arabia offers special licensing options designed for specific purposes or unique business scenarios. Special licenses include things like project-specific licenses for foreign contractors, etc.

Whether you're launching an eCommerce store, trading company, or consultancy, we’ll match you with the ideal license based on your goals.

Choosing the Right Business Structure in KSA

One of the first decisions in the Saudi Arabia company formation process is selecting a suitable legal structure.
Your business structure will determine ownership rules, liability, and compliance obligations. Saudi Arabia offers a variety of business structures for both local and foreign entrepreneurs:

Limited Liability Company (LLC):

The LLC is the most common format for company setup in Saudi Arabia, especially for foreign investors.

Sole Proprietorship:

This is a single-owner business where the owner is personally liable. In Saudi Arabia, sole proprietorships (establishments) are generally limited to Saudi or GCC nationals.

Joint Stock Company (JSC):

A JSC is suitable for larger ventures or those planning to raise capital publicly or privately.

Branch of a Foreign Company:

Instead of creating a new local entity, a foreign company can establish a branch office in KSA.

General Partnership or Limited Partnership:

These structures involve two or more individuals or entities sharing ownership.

What we offer

Our Saudi Arabia Company Formation Services

At ICBS, we specialize in company setup in Saudi Arabia for international clients.

Our team of experts guides you through every requirement to establish your presence efficiently. We offer comprehensive, end-to-end services:

Strategic Business Setup Planning & Registration:

We help you choose the optimal legal structure for your venture (e.g. LLC or branch) and obtain the necessary MISA foreign investment license, allowing 100% foreign ownership of your Saudi company.

GRO Services (Government Relations):

We provide experienced officers to liaise with government departments on your behalf, streamlining visa processing, labor approvals, and other official documentation.

Legal Support:

Our legal experts ensure your company meets all local regulations, assisting with documentation like the Articles of Association and any special permits.

Business Missions & B2B Matching:

Expand your network through trade missions and direct introductions – we connect you with potential partners or clients to build valuable relationships.

Launching your brand or hosting a corporate event in KSA? We organize every detail so you make a strong market entry.

ICBS facilitates work visas and Iqama residency permits for your general manager and foreign employees, and advises you on hiring and Saudization requirements as needed.

Business Advisory:

Get expert guidance on market entry strategy, local business culture, and regulatory compliance. We offer ongoing advisory support to help you make informed decisions at every stage.

Bank Account & Office Setup:

We assist in opening a corporate bank account and registering your official business address in Saudi Arabia.

Government Procurement & Bidding:

If you plan to bid on government contracts, we help you register on tender platforms and prepare competitive proposals.

Why Choose Us

International Corporate Business Services (ICBS)

Our Mission

At ICBS, our mission is to deliver reliable, sustainable business solutions that help our clients grow, innovate, and thrive. We are committed to empowering our customers with tailored services that enhance their operations, improve efficiency, and drive long-term success.

Vision

We envision ICBS as the leading service and trading partner of choice across the GCC, recognized for our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centric solutions. Our goal is to become the driving force behind business success stories in the region.

Core Values

At the heart of everything we do lies a deep respect for our customers, our people, and our community. We believe in delivering ethical, trustworthy, and high-quality services that exceed expectations. Our team is committed to continuous improvement, corporate responsibility, and fostering a culture where every employee feels valued and empowered.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

What are GRO services in Saudi Arabia?

GRO (Government Relations Officer) services cover all government dealings for a company – securing work visas (iqamas), renewing licenses, and ensuring compliance with regulations like Saudization.

Do I need a business setup consultant in Saudi Arabia?

It’s highly recommended – a consultant like ICBS knows local procedures, handles paperwork, and saves you time

Do I need to visit Saudi Arabia to establish my company?

 No – most steps can be handled remotely by a local agent with power of attorney. You might only need to visit for tasks like opening a bank account or signing documents.

Are there any incentives for foreign investors in Saudi Arabia?

Yes – incentives such as tax breaks, reduced fees, and grants are offered (especially for industries aligned with Vision 2030). Major projects like NEOM also provide additional benefits for investors.

What is an investment license (MISA) and do I need one?

Yes – a foreign investment license from MISA is required for any foreign investor and is the first approval needed to start a business in Saudi Arabia.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Saudi Arabia?

Yes – Saudi Arabia allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, so no Saudi partner is required (you just need to obtain a foreign investment license from MISA).

What types of companies can I set up in Saudi Arabia?

Foreign investors typically set up either a limited liability company (LLC) or a branch office; joint stock companies and other structures are also available.

How long does it take to set up a company in Saudi Arabia?

 Usually about 1 to 3 months, though some companies can be established in a few weeks if everything is in order.

How much does it cost to set up a business in Saudi Arabia?

Costs vary widely, but as a baseline expect at least several thousand Saudi Riyals in government fees, plus expenses for documentation, translations, and office space.

What is an investment license (MISA) and do I need one?

Yes – a foreign investment license from MISA is required for any foreign investor and is the first approval needed to start a business in Saudi Arabia.

Your Ultimate Guide to Doing Business in Saudi Arabia

Get in Touch With Us

We know you might have questions about starting a business, or perhaps you want to avoid the complexities of company formation in KSA. We’re here to help!
Please fill out the form, and one of our Business Setup Advisors will get in touch with you within 1 business day.

Our Working Hours

Sunday to Thursdays

8:30 am – 5:30 pm (GMT+3)

Office Address

King Abdul Aziz, Al Arid District, Riyadh, KSA

Email:

ask@icbs.sa

Phone

+966 56 402 2875

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